Cookies of Power

Those who lived in Calgary in the 90s might remember a coffee shop on a corner in Sunnyside called the Heartland Cafe, in the space that now houses Vendome. One of the most popular baked goods on the wooden rack behind the cash register, along with hefty raspberry yogurt muffins, were big, grainy cookies loaded with nuts, seeds and dark chocolate chunks – they called them Nutri-Cookies.

The term nutri applied in a very 70s manner; anything loaded with seedy, grainy things or served with sprouts or yogurt earned that label. When I acquired the Heartland Cafe Cookbook from a friend’s mum, the recipe called for a cup of margarine and as much brown sugar – decidedly not nutri, but definitely delicious, with a wonderfully fine texture. And yes – loaded with good things.

This is the type of cookie that could easily pinch-hit as breakfast, rounds out a lunchbox well and fills the gap in that late afternoon lull between school and dinner. You could, of course, add any number of nuts, seeds, dried fruit and the like, but this particular combo brings be right back to the cafe, pre-coffee addiction, mid-cookie addiction.

The dough is very thick – it will give your stand mixer a workout. Drop big scoops onto your cookie sheet – I broke one ice cream scoop doing this – and then flatten each with your hand into a small pattie. I imagine these would freeze well, if you don’t want to bake them all at once.

If you don’t already know these, I’m certain you’ll want to make their acquaintance.

I used to live in sunnyside years ago. I would go early for the day old stuff and zip home, if I had the dinero I ate fresh. Sadly I lent my heartland cookbook to some ratbastard that did not return it! Thanks for the recipe!!!! The raspberry yogurt muffins made me a muffin man.

Hi Julie,
Thanks again for a great recipe, you’re my favourite blogger! Just wondering about the oats…does it matter if they’re old fashioned or quick oats?
Thanks, these will make a fabulous after school snack for the boys!

I loved that place; I went searching for it only to discover it was no more. I have the recipe book and love the vegetarian chili recipe in it.
Julie, here is a challenge for you. I love the fruit bars from Glamorgan Bakery. I have hunted online, through cookbooks, etc. but without success. Can you help?

I used to go to Heartland Cafe all the time when I was a U of C student in the mid-90s – I don’t live in the city anymore so didn’t realize it was no longer! So sad. Thanks for the memory and for the recipe, I’m making these tomorrow! 🙂

I loved the Heartland Cafe! And like many others, I really enjoyed the raspberry yogurt muffins, too. It would be wonderful to get the recipe!

I moved from Calgary several years ago and I was so sad to hear the Heartland Cafe was no more. I have a lot of fond memories meeting with dear friends over coffee in that sunny coffee shop on the corner. I loved walking on the creaky floors, too.

Vendome is great but I miss Heartland–The Cafe and the Country Store. I may be a bit biased though, I worked at the store and had breakfasts and lunches at the cafe and I have very fond memories. Funny, the nutri-cookies were never something I sampled but I guess it’s never to late to try them. 🙂

Do you think this recipe would tolerate the substitution of 1/2 cup of butter for 1/2 cup of applesauce? I make this sub fairly often, it works really well for muffins and cake, but I’m not sure with the cookie texture? What do you think?

I think (OK, I know) that subbing in 1/2 cup of applesauce will give them a cakey texture, like muffin tops. Applesauce is a liquid, and so is best in cakes, muffins and things that have a springy, cakey texture. I have subbed canola oil for some of the butter with great results – so you could do that if you’re trying to cut back on saturated fat, but it won’t affect calories.

Just made these cookies and they are outstanding! Mine spread out a lot- a problem I often seem to have with cookies- so I know it wasn’t your recipe.
I’m so glad I saw these on Pinterest and discovered your site. I look forward to trying out several other recipes very soon!

What a great score on the cookbook! Now I want it too especially that someone mentioned the really good veggie chili recipe. I almost bought that cookbook many times but never did as it didn’t have the recipe for a salad I used to get there all the time with chick peas and little chunks of cheese – it was so simple but yummy. And i loved these cookies too. I think there’s a Heartland Cafe in Bridgeland now… I haven’t been in a while but I’m assuming it’s still there. I’m definitely going to make the muffins as well.